Karen Wilson

Bertis Karen Wyatt Wilson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, age 76, was born on December 7, 1948 and passed away on August 24, 2025 at Hospice of West Alabama, surrounded by family. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday August 31, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Karen's good friend, Pastor Jim Heritage, will officiate the services.
Karen was proceeded in death by her husband of 58 years, Raiford "Ray" Eugene Wilson; her father Bertis Howard "George" Wyatt, grandparents Ludie Watson and Mary Elizabeth Seale Wyatt, and many beloved aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her son Raiford "Bo" Wilson (Jennifer), Grandsons Bryant Wilson and Walker Wilson, daughter Lynn Wilson-Pardeshi (Preetam), and sister-in-law Robbie Wilson. Special friends Carolyn McGee, Barbara Ann Wyatt Langston, Becky Merriam, Pat Channell, Carolyn Coker Daniel, Dot Fisher, Gail Harless and several special cousins.
Karen attended Cottondale Elementary School and graduated from Holt High School, class of 1967. After graduation, she went to work at Gayfers Department Store for many years, beginning her career in the Wig Department and finishing as a Department Manager & Buyer for the Handbags/ Accessories and Women's Wear Departments. In her later years, she worked for Witness Wear Christian Clothiers and Cabinet Vision. She was known for her southern lady spirit, perfectly put together appearance with her beautifully styled blonde hair, flawless make up, colorful outfits and big jewelry. She loved sharing her "beauty talents" with others through the years. Karen loved fishing and boating on Lake Tuscaloosa with her family. She also enjoyed kid free trips to the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival with a lifelong group of friends. Spending time with her grandsons who fondly called her "Doodie", which was a by-product of her nick name "Doodle", was a true joy to her. Together with her husband, Karen loved taking their grandsons to Alabama football games. Those Saturdays were some of her fondest memories. She was a very proud grandmother when attending little league baseball games, school programs, football games, band concerts and basketball games in support of Bryant and Walker. She loved the beach, Christmas, shopping, and of course, Alabama Football.
Karen loved her church, family and friends. She often talked about them to her family as she spent her last 14 and a half months living between Bo's and Lynn's homes. As dementia took over her thoughts, she longed for the days spent with her momma, poppa and her aunts and uncles who she thought of as siblings. There is comfort in knowing she is "home" and reunited with those who were lined up to greet her.
Growing up, she spent Sundays at Hargrove Methodist Church and Rosedale Baptist Church with her Wyatt family. Later, she became a member of Cottondale Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Pallbearers will be Bryant Wilson, Walker Wilson, Preetam Pardeshi, Tim Anderson, Allen Gilliland, and Chris McGee.
Honorary pallbearers are Hospice of West Alabama, Dr. Ross Vaughn and staff, the congregation of Cottondale Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Holt High School class of 1967, Bryant Denny Stadium Section JJ Family and a special group of lifelong friends from Gayfers.
The family welcomes flowers and those wishing to make memorial donations may consider Hospice of West Alabama or a charity of their choice.